See you in the pub

If you’re on a budget, and most likely you are, then there are ways to save or even make money on a night out as Edinburgh pubs will let you gamble, quiz and sing your way to fame and riches - or at least a couple of shandies.

Combining free entertainment with a spot of communal drinking is a winning combination latched onto by various Edinburgh bars and pubs that peddle unique nights of punter participation to keep the drinks flowing. The Golf Tavern’s Tuesday poker night is a gambling opportunity for those with a competitive edge who are looking to cover the cost of their rounds. Another money spinner could be Frankenstein’s legendary Monster quiz, which throws in a free buffet for competitors and prizes that include beer, money and themysterious Monster goody bag. But sometimes nothing says ‘top night out’ quite like a drink and an after hours sing-song with your mates, which is why the Bank Hotel’s karaoke night is a firm favourite. You can holler as loud as you want without being thrown out for disorderly behaviour.

If you feel that your talents might be wasted on mere karaoke then you can wander down to Bannerman’s on Cowgate for their Sunday open mic night, where worthy amateur performers will be given the chance to shine on the Bannerman’s live stage.